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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Unmusical - without tone.






2. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






3. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






4. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






5. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






6. The highest female voice.






7. First developed in the 8th century - methods of writing music.






8. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






9. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






10. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






11. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






12. The structure of a piece of music.






13. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






14. Closing section of a movement.






15. The distance in pitch between two notes.






16. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






17. A quick - improvisational - spirited piece of music.






18. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






19. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






20. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






21. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






22. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






23. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






24. The distance in pitch between two notes.






25. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






26. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






27. A group singing in unison.






28. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






29. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






30. Pertains to tone or tones.






31. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






32. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






33. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






34. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






35. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






36. A separate section of a larger composition.






37. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






38. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






39. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






40. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






41. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






42. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






43. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






44. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






45. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






46. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






47. Piece of instrumental music played between scenes in a play or opera.






48. A composition written for nine instruments.






49. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






50. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.